Campground: Soda Spring
4.188 reviewsCampground: Soda Spring
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
$20.00 per site per night; additional vehicle fee is $8.
About this campground
Tucked away in the Pacific Northwest's emerald embrace, Soda Spring Campground offers an intimate escape with just seven thoughtfully spaced campsites. This hidden gem welcomes tent campers, pickup adventurers, and those with smaller trailers seeking refuge from the crowds. Here, the rhythm of nature replaces the rush of daily life, where crackling campfires cast dancing shadows through well-screened sites, and the only soundtrack is the whisper of wind through ancient trees. Each site features a classic fire ring with built-in grill and picnic table, inviting evenings of stargazing and storytelling around the flames.
Soda Spring Campground offers primitive camping options suited for smaller trailers and tents. The sites are basic and set in a quiet, lightly-used area with some moderate traffic.
Historical SignificanceHistory bubbles up from the earth at this enchanting spot, where a natural soda spring once drew entrepreneurs with dreams of bottled mountain water. Though the old bottling facility has long since returned to the forest floor, the effervescent spring continues to gurgle its mineral-rich waters, a testament to the dreams and industry of a bygone era. This carbonated curiosity serves as a living link to the past, inviting visitors to taste the same naturally fizzy water that once filled bottles bound for distant markets.
Weather and SeasonsSummer arrives late in this mountain sanctuary, with the campground opening its gates when July's warmth finally melts away the last traces of snow. Through September's golden days, visitors enjoy the sweet spot of mountain weather—warm afternoons perfect for exploration giving way to crisp evenings that demand a cozy fleece. These precious months offer the ideal window to experience the high country's magic before autumn's chill signals the end of another camping season.
Natural Features and SceneryCathedral-like groves of Douglas fir stretch skyward, their massive trunks joined by the feathery fronds of western hemlock and the silvery bark of noble fir trees. This living sanctuary creates a natural amphitheater of green, where shafts of sunlight pierce the canopy to illuminate the forest floor's carpet of moss and ferns. Though hidden from view, Summit Creek's gentle murmur provides a soothing background melody, its pristine waters threading through the landscape just beyond the campground's boundaries. The mysterious soda spring adds an element of geological wonder to this already magical setting.
Geological RegionThis remarkable campground sits within one of the Northwest's most majestic coniferous forests, where towering Douglas firs share the canopy with graceful western hemlocks and stately silver firs. The landscape tells a story written in stone and water—Summit Creek has carved its patient path through the terrain over millennia, while the carbonated soda spring offers a rare glimpse into the region's volcanic past. These geological treasures combine to create a camping experience that connects visitors to the deep, enduring rhythms of the natural world.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features for campers with disabilities are noted.
Sites SizeSites are suitable for tent camping, pickup campers, or smaller trailers. Larger trailers are not recommended due to the steep and narrow access road.
Sites PrivacyThe sites offer moderate screening and are not crowded, ensuring some level of privacy.
Total Campsites7 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Stay is limited to 14 days.
Groups
No group camping facilities or descriptions are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes seven moderately screened sites suitable for tent camping, pickup campers, or smaller trailers.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen July through September
Reservation PlatformsFirst-come, first-serve only; no reservations.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-serve.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides access to outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the nearby soda spring. Local attractions include the nearby Cowlitz Trail #44, accessible from the Soda Spring Trailhead located within the campground.
Hiking
The Soda Spring Trailhead within the campground provides access to the Cowlitz Trail #44, which leads into the William O. Douglas Wilderness. User reviews mention that the trail has challenges, such as fallen trees, but remains a popular activity.Winter Activities
No winter recreational activities are described.Water Sports
No information about water sports is provided.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire pits with grill features are available at each campsite.
- Quiet hours are From 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsRoad to the campground is moderately steep and single-lane, making access challenging for larger trailers. Potable water and garbage services are not available on-site.
Active alertsThe campground is closed during the winter season.
Weather forecast
86
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 28%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 9.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Peak season datesJuly through September
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are mentioned, and user reviews are contradictory; one user notes 'garbage dumpsters throughout the campground,' while others have not mentioned these amenities.
Proximity to water featuresSummit Creek is located near the campground, offering a natural water feature.
Common complaintsSeveral user reviews note confusion between this campground and another similarly named site. Lack of potable water, inadequate maintenance of toilets, and misinformation on the official website were also raised.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Packwood, WA, proceed northeast on US Highway 12 for approximately 9 miles to Forest Road 45. Turn left on Forest Road 45 and proceed 0.35 miles to Forest Road 4510. Continue straight on Forest Road 4510 4.2 miles to Forest Road 4510 052. Bear right on Forest Road 4510 052 and follow to Soda Spring Campground.
Access route is described as moderately steep, single-lane with occasional pullouts. Larger trailers are not recommended.Nearby places
Packwood, WA: 9 miles
Camper Reviews
4.2
8 reviews
Campground: Soda Spring is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews provide a mixed but generally positive view of Soda Spring Campground. Visitors appreciate the quiet and rustic nature of the campground, though some have commented on the lack of amenities and the condition of certain facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
Commonly praised features include the quiet and lightly-used environment, the presence of tables and fire rings, and access to hiking trails. One user described it as a 'cute little campground by the...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Criticisms include the lack of potable water, the condition of the vault toilet, and confusion caused by outdated or conflicting information on official websites. Some users mentioned road traffic...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors suggest arriving early on weekends to secure a site, as it can fill up quickly. Bringing sufficient water and supplies is essential due to the lack of potable water and camp stores.
Based on 8 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that the campground is busiest during summer weekends, but it tends to clear out by Sunday morning. Off-season visits may offer more solitude.
Based on 8 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'Cute little campground by the soda spring, carbonated spring water from volcanic activity, super neat.' (Willow Luna, 2024) - 'Great. Note: no latrine on site...it’s free, basic fire pits and no...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Reviews do not provide specific details about individual campsites.
Based on 8 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically mention accessibility features or experiences for users with disabilities.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but users note that dogs must be kept on a leash. One user mentioned enjoying the site with their dogs on a summer trip.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025